Richard Gadbois first learned about the Newburgh Ministry decades ago. A born-and-bred Newburgh resident, Mr. Gadbois knew the Sisters from school, and he knew the Ministry since its beginning. After retiring, he began helping out with the Ministry wherever he could. He made furniture for the building, brought over furniture and wood for others to use, transported visitors to get foodstuffs, and even collected toiletries for the folks who visit.
“If you have somebody who is hungry and doesn’t have many clothes, and you open the door and take him into your house, and you sit him down and give him a good meal, let him take a shower and give him clothes to get dressed, that person is going to feel pretty good when he leaves. He’ll be back in a few days! Basically, that’s what the Ministry is. It takes care of people’s needs.”
Nowadays, he serves the Ministry as a Board Member. He claims that his “get-up-and-go got up and went,” but he can still be found at the Newburgh Ministry a few days every week mingling, sharing laughs, and talking about why he’s found meaning here for over twenty years.
How did you first get involved with the Newburgh Ministry?
What is your involvement in the Ministry today?
“I retired in the spring of 2003. Ten days later, I came to the Newburgh Ministry, and I’ve been here ever since. I came here because I knew there was a lot of need.”